It’s estimated that 65 million Americans suffer from some sort of back pain and that 80 percent will experience back pain at some point in their life. Our backs are susceptible to a host of painful injuries including herniated discs, disc tears, vertebrae fractures, and spinal stenosis. While these are only a few of the many types of back problems, the causes of back pain generally fall into a few categories. The following are the most common causes of back pain.

Medical Problems

Some back pain could be the result of being born with certain conditions, such as scoliosis. It could also be the result of arthritis, in particular osteoarthritis. A person suffering from multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia can also suffer from back pain. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek out medical back pain relief, beginning with a diagnosis from a health professional.

Being a Weekend Warrior

Those who occasionally participate in sports and other high-impact activities may be more susceptible to sprains and injuries than those who do so regularly. The latter group is more accustomed to the stress of physical activity and may take more time to warm up and cool down properly. Working around the house by hauling and lifting items—or even participating in simple hobbies like gardening—can lead to back problems as well.

Remaining in the Same Position too Long

For many of us, this means hovering over a computer screen for hours at a time. One way to combat this is to periodically adjust your seat level throughout the day. This way, you’re leaning forward at different angles instead of being in the exact same position for hours at a time.

Poor Sleeping Positions

It’s usually recommended to sleep on either your back or your side. Sleeping on the stomach is generally not good for a person’s back. For those who insist on sleeping on their stomach, slipping a thin pillow beneath the hips may help alleviate lower back pain.

Sleeping on the Wrong Mattress

As far as firm mattresses are concerned, sleeping on a bed that’s too hard can be just as detrimental as one that’s too soft. An extremely firm mattress can be hard on the hips and shoulders. One that is too soft is rough on joints and the back in general.

While back pain is something a large percentage of the population occasionally experiences, in many instances it can be prevented. By developing new habits, properly stretching before engaging in strenuous activities, and learning our limitations we can improve the overall health of our back.